S P Ginzberg

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This study looked at the costs associated with two types of medication used before surgery for patients with pheochromocytoma, a type of tumor on the adrenal glands. It found that those using selective alpha-blockers spent significantly less on medication in the month before surgery—about $19.73 compared to $1,033.70 for nonselective blockers—but the overall costs during and after hospitalization were similar for both groups. This matters because it shows that while selective blockers are cheaper upfront, they do not lead to lower overall costs for patients. Who this helps: Patients preparing for pheochromocytoma surgery.

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Researchers studied 241 patients who had thyroid or parathyroid surgery and compared outcomes based on whether they'd previously had different types of stomach surgery—particularly whether their intestines had been rerouted to bypass the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). They found that patients with prior intestinal bypass surgery developed dangerously low calcium levels after their neck surgery at much higher rates than patients who had sleeve gastrectomy (a different weight-loss procedure that doesn't reroute the intestines). The risk was especially severe in patients with nonbariatric bypass surgery—those who had the intestinal rerouting for reasons other than weight loss—where 81% experienced low calcium levels shortly after surgery and 71% had persistent problems months later. Low calcium caused longer hospital stays and more readmissions. This matters because doctors now know they need to screen and monitor calcium levels more carefully before and after

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This study looked at how reinforcing staple lines during laparoscopic or robotic sleeve gastrectomy surgeries affects patients in the first 30 days after their operation. Out of nearly 285,000 patients, those who received staple line reinforcement had a lower chance of experiencing serious complications like leakage (up to 29% less likely) and gastrointestinal bleeding (up to 21% less likely), but were more likely to need emergency care and experienced more instances of unplanned intubation. Understanding these outcomes helps improve surgical practices and patient care in weight loss surgeries. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing weight loss surgery.

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This study focused on how Black women in the U.S. experience breast cancer screening and diagnosis compared to White women. It found that Black women are diagnosed at younger ages and at more advanced stages of breast cancer, facing a 40% higher risk of dying from the disease. Addressing these disparities is crucial to ensure that Black women have equal access to timely screening and treatment. Who this helps: This research benefits Black women and healthcare providers working towards equitable cancer care.

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This study looked at how Pennsylvania's new insurance law for breast cancer screening affects Black and White women, specifically those with dense breasts who are at higher risk of false-negative mammograms. Researchers found that only 2.1% of Black women had very dense breasts compared to 5.8% of White women, and only 1.6% of Black women were eligible for supplemental screening versus 8.4% of White women. This matters because it means fewer Black women are receiving potentially lifesaving additional screenings, despite their risk being underestimated by current guidelines. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly Black women at risk for breast cancer.

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This study looked at the effects of performing laparoscopic gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) at the same time as bariatric surgery, specifically sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, using data from over 852,000 patients from 2015 to 2021. The findings showed that patients who had gallbladder surgery alongside bariatric surgery had slightly higher rates of complications like infections and the need for breathing support, but these incidents were rare. Overall, both types of combined surgeries were considered safe, with no increase in the risk of death. Who this helps: This information benefits patients undergoing weight loss surgery who also have gallbladder issues, as well as their doctors.

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This study examined the best treatment methods for older patients with multiple health issues who are hospitalized for acute cholecystitis, a painful gallbladder condition. Researchers found that among nearly 33,000 patients, those who had surgery (cholecystectomy) had a 3% lower risk of dying within 30 days and a 4% lower risk within 90 days compared to those who did not have surgery. Additionally, surgery led to fewer readmissions and emergency department visits after treatment, and while it was more expensive initially, it resulted in lower overall costs after 90 days. Who this helps: This benefits older patients with multiple health conditions and their doctors when making treatment decisions.

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This study examined how certain health conditions and surgeries that affect nutrient absorption impact the risk of low calcium levels after thyroid and parathyroid surgeries. Researchers looked at data from over 25,000 patients, finding that 8.8% experienced low calcium levels shortly after surgery, and the rate increased to 18.3% within a year. Specifically, patients who had surgeries on their foregut or midgut faced a higher risk, especially after total thyroidectomy, compared to those who did not have such surgeries. Who this helps: This information is vital for doctors and patients, particularly those with prior gastrointestinal surgeries, to manage postoperative care effectively.

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This study examined the delays in treatment for patients with adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), a rare cancer, to see if certain factors affected how quickly individuals received care. Researchers looked at data from 1,399 patients treated between 2010 and 2019 and found that the average time to treatment was 27 days. Non-Hispanic Black patients and those aged 40 to 64 experienced longer delays, while women and patients with more advanced cancer received care more quickly; importantly, these delays did not lead to worse survival rates. Who this helps: This research helps patients and healthcare providers understand the factors that can lead to treatment delays in ACC.

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This study looked at how often a surgery called metastasectomy, which removes cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, is used for different types of metastatic cancer from 2016 to 2021. It found that this surgery was most commonly performed on colorectal cancer patients (57,644 cases) and lung cancer patients (55,090 cases), while its use increased significantly for breast cancer (up 10.6%) and melanoma (up 8.3%). This information is important because as new treatments improve survival rates, the role of metastasectomy may change, affecting how patients are treated. Who this helps: Patients with metastatic cancer and their doctors.

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This study focused on patients who had part of their thyroid removed and aimed to create a simple score to predict if they would need thyroid hormone therapy afterward. Out of 425 patients, 178 (about 42%) ended up needing this therapy, with certain factors like a higher preoperative thyroid hormone level and a cancer diagnosis making it more likely. This score can help doctors and patients understand the chances of needing treatment after surgery, which can influence decisions about the surgery itself. Who this helps: Patients undergoing partial thyroid surgery and their doctors.

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This study looked at how doctors can tell if a patient with primary aldosteronism has a single gland causing their condition, which is important because those patients can be cured with surgery. Out of 461 patients studied, 324 were found to have unilateral aldosterone secretion, and using a new clinical risk score can predict this accurately 86% of the time. This matters because it can help identify patients who may benefit from surgery, leading to better treatment outcomes. Who this helps: Doctors and patients with resistant hypertension.

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This study looked at how patients with recent colorectal cancer treatment fare when treated for emergency general surgery conditions either with surgery or without. It found that among over 26,000 patients, those who had received cancer treatment and underwent surgery faced a 43% higher risk of dying within 90 days compared to those who hadn't had cancer treatment, even though readmission rates were similar. This is important because it helps doctors make better decisions about whether to operate on patients who have recently been treated for colorectal cancer. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by providing clearer guidance on treatment choices.

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This study looked at the costs associated with treating emergency general surgery conditions, comparing patients who had surgery to those who did not. It found that while surgery often costs more upfront—especially in the hospital—over time, the costs can even out, particularly in cases involving the liver and pancreas. Overall, surgery generally leads to higher costs within six months for most conditions, which is important for doctors and patients deciding on treatment options. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors make informed decisions about emergency surgery versus non-surgical treatments.

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This study looked at why women in a low-income, mostly Black community in West Philadelphia might not be getting screened for breast cancer. Researchers found that 30% of the women said the cost or lack of insurance was a major barrier to getting screened. Additionally, women under 50 had more difficulties with screening than older women, and those without a primary care doctor tended to take longer to get follow-up biopsies after screening. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly women in underserved communities.

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This study looked at how quickly Black and White women received follow-up care after an abnormal breast cancer screening. Researchers found that Black women waited 1.75 times longer than White women to get a tissue diagnosis, meaning it took them a median of 35 days compared to 20 days for White women. These delays can lead to worse health outcomes, so improving timely follow-up care is important for better breast cancer treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially Black women, by ensuring they receive faster and more equitable care.

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This study looked at how often women with breast cancer get preoperative MRI scans, focusing on differences based on race and insurance type. It found that only 36% of Black patients had preoperative MRIs compared to 67% of White patients. Importantly, Black women who did get the MRI were less likely to need additional surgery afterward, suggesting that using MRIs more consistently could lead to better treatment outcomes for everyone. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially Black women facing breast cancer.

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This study looked at how placing palliative gastro tubes affects patients with severe small bowel obstructions due to cancer and their caregivers. Researchers found that after the procedure, patients who survived at least two weeks reported better symptom relief (scores improved from 51 to 43.5) and overall quality of life (scores improved from 22 to 32). It’s important because this treatment can significantly help patients manage their symptoms and improve their comfort near the end of life, but both patients and caregivers need more support and education on using the tubes. Who this helps: This helps patients nearing end-of-life situations and their caregivers.

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This study focused on improving the screening process for primary aldosteronism in veterans with high blood pressure, where current screening rates are very low (only 1%-3%). Researchers analyzed data from over 502,000 veterans and found that 15% of those screened tested positive for the condition. They created a risk-scoring system to help doctors identify which patients are most likely to have primary aldosteronism, with screening success rates increasing from 5.6% for those with the lowest scores to 51% for those with the highest. Who this helps: This benefits veterans with hypertension and their doctors.

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This study looked at patients with end-stage kidney disease who undergo surgery to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism, specifically focusing on a complication called hungry bone syndrome (HBS). The researchers found that 19.4% of the 17,074 patients studied developed HBS after surgery, with those affected showing a higher likelihood of needing intensive care (33.5% versus 24.6% for those who didn't develop HBS). They created a risk score based on factors like age and duration of dialysis, which helps predict the likelihood of developing HBS, with rates increasing from 8% for low-risk patients to 44% for high-risk patients. Who this helps: This helps doctors better predict which patients might experience complications after surgery, improving patient care and decision-making.

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This research focused on how different surgical methods and treatments affect survival rates for patients with non-metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), a serious cancer. They studied 1,175 patients and found that factors like older age, advanced cancer stage, and having positive surgical margins decreased survival, while the type of surgery (open versus laparoscopic) and whether lymph nodes were removed did not significantly affect survival. The key takeaway is that the biology of the tumor and how well the surgery removes it are crucial for survival, especially in advanced cases where traditional open surgery seems to provide better outcomes. Who this helps: This research helps patients with non-metastatic ACC and their doctors by guiding treatment decisions.

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This study looked at thyroid nodule biopsies in patients who may not need them because they have a limited life expectancy, focusing on those who died within two years of their biopsy. Out of 2,565 biopsies performed, only 37 patients died within two years, and 78% of these had a different type of cancer. This is important because it shows that many of these biopsies might not be necessary, potentially saving over $98,000 in healthcare costs and helping doctors make better decisions for patients with serious health issues. Who this helps: Patients with limited life expectancy and their doctors.

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This study looked at how surgery can impact the survival of patients with metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), a type of aggressive cancer that spreads to other parts of the body. Researchers found that of the 976 patients studied, those who had their main tumor removed had a median survival time of 7.6 months. Specifically, removing both the primary tumor and any metastatic tumors together led to a better survival outcome compared to just removing the primary tumor alone. Who this helps: This information can benefit doctors and patients with metastatic ACC by guiding treatment decisions.

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This study looked at how the number of surgeries a surgeon performs each year affects the outcomes for patients undergoing adrenalectomy, which is surgery to remove the adrenal glands. Out of 476 surgeries from 2016 to 2021, high-volume surgeons (those who did 6 or more procedures a year) performed 394, and they were more likely to use minimally invasive techniques, resulting in lower costs and shorter hospital stays. Specifically, laparoscopic surgery led to patients spending about 3.4 fewer days in the hospital and saved around $72,000 in hospitalization costs. Who this helps: This information benefits patients needing adrenal surgery and their doctors in making better care decisions.

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This study looked at the use and costs of same-day surgery versus overnight stays for total thyroid removal between 2013 and 2019. Researchers found that 19.4% of patients had surgery and went home the same day, a trend that increased from 14.8% to 20.8% during the study. The same-day surgery was cheaper, saving about $974 on average compared to overnight stays, and it was more common in specialized hospitals. Who this helps: Patients who undergo thyroid surgery can benefit from same-day discharge, potentially saving money and experiencing more convenience.

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This study developed and tested a new tool to measure how connected surgical residents feel to their community, which is important for their well-being and performance. They found that out of 114 survey responses, Black and Asian residents felt less connected compared to their White peers, and those who graduated with their original class felt more connected. This matters because understanding belonging can lead to better support for surgical trainees and improve their overall performance and mental health. Who this helps: This helps surgical residents and the programs that train them.

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This study looked at how men and women, as well as different racial and ethnic groups, experience and are treated for medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). They found that out of 6,154 patients, 68% received recommended surgery. Men and Hispanic patients tended to have larger tumors, while Black and Hispanic patients often had more advanced cancer and waited longer for surgery; Black patients were also less likely to receive the recommended surgical treatment. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with medullary thyroid cancer, particularly those who are men or from non-White backgrounds, by highlighting disparities in treatment and outcomes.

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This study looked at how necessary in-person health check-ups are before surgeries and whether they could be done online instead. Researchers found that most updates (60.8%) involved changes to patient histories, but only a few (11.6%) affected surgical plans. Patients spent about 7,000 hours traveling and waiting for these visits in 2019, suggesting these check-ups could be less burdensome if done through telehealth. Who this helps: This helps patients by reducing travel and wait times for pre-surgery appointments.

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This study examined how negative patient outcomes affect surgeons and surgical trainees, focusing on their emotional reactions and support needs. Out of 216 trainees surveyed, 82.8% reported being involved in at least one adverse event, with many feeling embarrassed (84.8%), ruminating on the experience (82.1%), and fearing future procedures (65.4%); notably, 35.9% even considered quitting their training. The findings reveal a substantial emotional toll on these medical professionals and highlight the importance of offering support, like debriefing sessions with experienced doctors, to help them cope, especially for female trainees and those from diverse backgrounds. Who this helps: This supports surgical trainees and faculty members facing emotional challenges after adverse events.

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This study looked at how the size of tumors affects survival in patients with well-differentiated thyroid cancer. Researchers found that patients with tumors larger than 4 cm had a 63% higher risk of dying compared to those with smaller tumors, but when combined with other high-risk features, the risk increased even more. Notably, the biggest drops in survival were seen when tumors grew beyond 2 cm and again at 5 cm, suggesting that the 4 cm mark isn't as critical as previously thought. Who this helps: This helps doctors make better treatment decisions for patients with thyroid cancer.

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This study looked at how different racial and ethnic groups were treated for thyroid cancer before and after updated treatment guidelines in 2015. It found that, before these guidelines, Black, Hispanic, and Asian patients were less likely to receive the appropriate surgery and radioactive iodine treatment compared to White patients. For example, Black patients had a 2.1% lower chance of getting the right surgery before 2015. After the new guidelines were released, while disparities improved, Hispanic patients still had a 2.6% lower chance of receiving proper surgery afterward. Who this helps: This benefits patients with thyroid cancer, especially those from racial and ethnic minority groups.

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This study examined the value of mandatory check-in appointments, known as history and physical (H&P) updates, before colorectal surgeries. Out of 132 visits, only 39% of patients had relevant updates to their medical history, and changes to the physical exam or surgery plan were even less common, at about 4% and 7% respectively. Given that most updates could have been handled through telehealth—and patients faced significant travel times—this suggests that current regulations should be revised for efficiency. Who this helps: This helps patients by reducing unnecessary travel and waiting times for pre-surgery appointments.

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This study looked at how the type of health insurance affects the treatment of patients with well-differentiated thyroid cancer from 2016 to 2019. It found that patients with Medicaid, who made up 10% of the 125,827 participants, were less likely to receive timely and appropriate surgery and more likely to be undertreated with radioactive iodine compared to those with private insurance. Specifically, patients with Medicaid had larger tumors and regional metastases yet were 31% less likely to get the right surgery and 29% more likely to be undertreated. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with Medicaid who are diagnosed with thyroid cancer.

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This study looked at how quickly patients needing emergency procedures could be transferred from a smaller hospital (the "spoke") to a larger one (the "hub") in a recent healthcare model. Out of 335 patients, 65.7% were transferred in the desired time frame. Specifically, only 23.5% of patients with a serious heart condition got the needed treatment fast enough, though 100% of those with acute limb issues did receive timely care. This study shows that while the system can improve access to urgent care, there's a need to keep working on reducing transfer times for all emergency cases. Who this helps: This helps patients needing emergency procedures and the doctors treating them.

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This study looked at how a new "one-stop-shop" approach, led by radiologists, can make cancer screening more accessible for Black Americans in West Philadelphia. At a health fair, around 350 people participated, resulting in 232 cancer screening tests being completed. This method helps eliminate barriers to screening, improving health outcomes in underserved communities. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly Black Americans in underserved areas.

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Researchers looked at how often medullary thyroid cancer comes back and how different surgical approaches affect treatment outcomes. They found that adjusting surgery on lymph nodes in the neck can improve results, helping to better manage the cancer. This is important because it can lead to more effective treatment plans for patients. Who this helps: Patients with medullary thyroid cancer.

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This study looked at how often thyroid cancer gets classified at a more advanced stage after surgery compared to initial assessments. Among 5,351 cases, 17.5% of tumors, 18.0% of lymph nodes, and 10.9% of overall cancer stages were upgraded after final pathology reports. This matters because understanding these upstaging rates can help doctors give better advice to patients about their cancer treatment and outlook. Who this helps: This helps patients and their doctors make more informed decisions about treatment.

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This study looked at how men and women, as well as different racial and ethnic groups, experience anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) in terms of diagnosis, treatment, and survival outcomes. Researchers found that women were more likely to have surgery but received less chemotherapy and radiation compared to men. They also found that minority patients received less chemotherapy and radiation than white patients, which contributed to overall low one-year survival rates of just 23%. Addressing these disparities in care is crucial as treatment options for ATC evolve. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially those from minority backgrounds, by highlighting the need for equal access to treatment.

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This study looked at how implicit racial and ethnic biases among healthcare providers can affect the care received by patients from different backgrounds over the past decade. The researchers reviewed 37 studies and found that 31 of them showed a bias favoring White or lighter-skinned individuals, which could impact treatment decisions, communication, and empathy from healthcare providers. This matters because understanding and addressing these biases can help improve the quality of care and health outcomes for minority patients. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly those from racial and ethnic minority groups.

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This study compared two surgical treatments for a swallowing disorder called achalasia: laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) and per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). Researchers looked at the experiences of 110 patients more than a year after their surgery and found that both procedures had similar effectiveness, but patients reported slightly better outcomes with POEM. Importantly, the longer someone had surgery, the more likely they were to report unsatisfactory results, indicating that follow-up time affects patient satisfaction rather than the type of surgery itself. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from achalasia and their doctors in choosing the right surgical option.

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This study looked at how different diets affect the physical abilities and heart health of fruit flies. The researchers discovered that flies did best on low-calorie diets that were balanced in sugar and yeast, achieving better endurance and heart function. Conversely, a sugar-heavy diet improved endurance but harmed heart performance. This matters because it highlights how specific dietary choices can significantly impact health and performance, rather than just focusing on overall calorie intake. Who this helps: This helps researchers and health professionals understand the importance of diet composition for better physical performance and heart health.

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This study focused on creating a new exercise training method for fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) to understand how endurance exercise affects health. Researchers developed a device called the Power Tower that makes the flies climb repeatedly, simulating an exercise routine. They were able to train many flies at once and monitor their performance over time, laying the groundwork for future studies on how exercise impacts genetics and health. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and scientists studying obesity and related health issues.